STAYING AWAY FROM CHURCH?
by Lemuel Niere
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some, but exhorting one
another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:25.
When the apostle Paul wrote these words, it was in reference to some in the Christian community who evidently begun to neglect their meeting together in regular worship. There are many reasons why people stay away from church, imitating the “nones” who claim to be spiritual and believe in God—but don’t want to be identified with a particular church or denomination.
A major reason for this is the capital “D.” It stands for discouragement. Perhaps they’re embarrassed that their faith isn’t working as fast as they think it should. Perhaps they are ashamed that they’re still struggling with problems they think should have been conquered long ago. They don’t want anyone to know they’re still wrestling with the same old problems, so they disappear from sight! Another reason people don’t come to church is because of disappointment (which is a cousin of discouragement); that their expectations are not met, or that what they want is not being given attention.
I think we need to understand that the church is not a “parading ground for saints, but a hospital for sin-sick souls.” Ellen White reminds us that “the church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit. Will we, as members of His church, allow Him to impress our minds and to work through us to His glory?” [Sons and Daughters of God, p. 13. 23 Manuscript 155, 1902].
All of us—regardless of whether you are a church officer or just a humble member—are in need of encouragement and exhortation which the church imparts. Since the church is the repository of God’s grace, it’s important to be part of it, especially in the light of approaching “day” of the Lord’s appearing. There is to be no such thing as a “lone ranger” Christian. It is one of Satan’s bewitching enticements to think that salvation is a personal matter. Salvation is never a solo act. Period.
Satan knows that if he can get you to fall out of fellowship with other believers—at the very moment when you need fellowship and encouragement the most—then he can probably keep you down and defeated. Yes’ it’s true that you can read the Bible at home by yourself, and you need to do this. But fellowship with other believers is essential for everyone, and that i includes you! You receive encouragement from other believers that you can’t get anywhere else.
That’s why the church is the last place the devil wants you to go when you’re feeling low! He knows if you go to church, you will be touched by the Presence of the Lord; you will get encouraged by other believers, and even be challenged to live humble and firm in Jesus despite some “toxicity” you may experience—and face those challenges with a winning attitude..
The devil works overtime to try to tempt you to skip church, stay home, and do something else instead.
But friend, why isolate yourself when you are in the greatest need of encouragement, exhortation and belongingness?
